Virginia governor approves abortion clinic regulations

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell approved strong new regulations on abortion clinics yesterday that treat abortion clinics like hospitals, ensuring that abortion is not treated like going to the dentist’s office.

“The governor believes these common-sense regulations will help ensure that this procedure takes place in facilities that are modern, safe, and well-regulated, in order to ensure the safety and well-being of all patients,” Gov. McDonnell staff said in a statement.

The Virginia General Assembly passed the law requiring abortion clinics to be treated like hospitals in February, and the state Board of Health drafted the regulations which Gov. McDonnell approved. The House of Delegates passed it by a 67-32 margin, setting the stage for a historic vote in the state Senate. 18 Republicans and two pro-life Democrats voted yes, while 20 Democratic senators voted no for a 20-20 tie. Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, the president of the Senate under the Virginia Constitution, cast the tiebreaking vote to pass the bill on February 24, 2011. Gov. McDonnell signed it into law and the Board of Health made its recommendations to Gov. McDonnell.

Way to go Bob, and thank you to the members of the General Assembly who fought for these common sense regulations!